KK Birla a noted public figure: PM

ET BureauAug 31, 2008, 01.39am IST

KOLKATA/ NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that Krishna Kumar Birla among the greatest industrial leaders in the country. Reacting to the news of Birla's death, the Prime Minister said not only was Birla a noted industrialist, he was also a well known public figure too. Describing his contribution to the country's development as immense, Mr Singh said his was a multi-faceted personality. ( Watch )

Former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee said that with the death of K K Birla, a strong pillar of the Indian industry has fallen.

Corporate India reacted with shock too. ITC chairman Y C Deveshwar said: "We have indeed lost a true son of India, whose tireless efforts have benefited many sections of society. His multi-dimensional contribution as an industrialist, a caring philanthropist, an astute Parliamentarian and an eminent scholar leaves a rich legacy for many to emulate. Dr Birla's passing away will leave a deep void in the industrial landscape of the nation."

Sanjiv Goenka, vice-chairman RPG Enterprises, spoke to ET from New York: "He was an inspiration the stuff that legends are made of. In his passing away, Indian industry and India has lost a great leader. He was warm and affectionate. Our entire family has always looked up to him." Recalling an incident when both happened to be on a Swissair flight Mr Goenka said: " I went up to Mr K K Birla inside the aircraft to pay my respects. Our conversation drifted towards office hours and time management. I remember him telling me ...never be late for an appointment. Schedule your day well." He mentioned he had a meticulous system of scheduling his day. "I have tried to follow his advice on this," Mr Goenka said.

Sanjiv's father, Rama Prasad Goenka who was in Puri on the day, said : "Among businessmen, I respected him the most."

Commenting on Mr Birla's demise, R S Lodha said: "It is great loss to Indian industry." Sanjay Budhia Indian Chamber of Commerce president : "He was an asset and it is a great national loss."

Meanwhile, industry associations have expressed their condolences on the death of K K Birla. A former member of the Rajya Sabha, Mr Birla was also Ficci president from 1974-75. "He was an outstanding visionary, a great Parliamentarian, a business leader par excellence, and the builder of modern educational and scientific institutions," said Ficci president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

"A leading industrialist and an eminent member of society, Dr K K Birla's demise is a great loss to India and Indian industry," said CII president K V Kamath. Assocham president Sajjan Jindal said that Dr Birla was a great visionary who foresaw things much before of times and it is because of this reason, he remained a successful corporate who contributed a great deal towards promoting the cause of society.